We had two sold out performances in Rancho Cucamonga at the Lewis Family Playhouse. This is a really great venue nestled in the middle of a busy shopping area, surrounded by stores and restaurants. The theatre is technically superb – great sound and lights! With a staff and crew that are just as superb!
We loaded in yesterday morning – crew waiting, ready and more than prepared for us. This was a very pleasurable day and Matt, Greg and Mario (along with the rest of the guys – Jason, Ryan, Colin, Dennis, Martin, and Eric) went above and beyond to make sure that everything (and every request) was handled promptly and with an awesome attitude. These guys were amazing.
The first show was 7pm on Saturday night. The audience started to arrive right at 6:30pm. Our special guests for the evening were Mr. Jim Steinmeyer and Mr. Don Bice. Don used to tour with an illusion show in the 70’s, now retired, but still loves magic. Jim is the creative force behind many of the illusions in our show including Windshear and The Brick Wall. He’s also a bestselling author (Hiding the Elephant) and the designer of the illusions in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (New York) and Cameron MacIntosh/Disney’s Mary Poppins (New York and London). This would be the first time that Jim has seen The Brick Wall “live” in a performance. Needless to say, I was feeling the pressure!
The audience was GREAT. Honestly, we could not have asked for a more responsive and enthusiastic crowd. Each illusion built a stronger rapport with this crowd and at the finale, they were on their feet – standing ovation. I don’t take any of that for granted and having the opportunity to perform as often as we do is such a gift.
After the show, Cindy and I joined Jim and Don at a local restaurant for a bite to eat and to talk shop. We had a nice evening sharing stories and talking magic. We’re getting together with Jim again on Monday to look at some new illusion concepts and a little Thai food. His wife, Frankie, will be back from London and she’ll be joining us. We enjoy their company – and their friendship very much.
Sunday morning – we were out of the hotel around 10:30am and off to the theatre. The show today was at 2pm. We had several things to reset and some lighting cues to tweak. We made quick business of it all and the audience started to arrive around 1pm, doors opened at 1:30pm. Another really wonderful crowd from Rancho Cucamonga!
After the show, David and Kylie went out with their friends and Keith went off with a couple of his friends. Cindy and I walked the mall and then went to “In and Out Burger.” If you’ve never been to one of these burger places, you have no idea what you’re missing! They’re only on the West Coast – California mainly but one or two in Arizona and Las Vegas.
We videotaped this show so we could critique some of the new lighting transitions and cues. We watched it in the room tonight and were excited to see the changes – subtle but significant.
Monday will be a very productive day – newspaper interviews for upcoming shows and following up with some people about next season. Then we’ll spend the afternoon with Steinmeyer and see what magical mysteries are ahead for us!